16 June 2020
THE QUEENSLAND Government’s $257 million building stimulus announcement today is a win for builders and buyers alike and is just the ticket to keep our industry moving.
THE Queensland Government’s $257 million building stimulus announcement today is a win for builders and buyers alike, and is just the ticket to keep our industry moving.
Master Builders Deputy CEO, Paul Bidwell said Master Builders was a driving force in calling on the Premier and Minister de Brenni to introduce stimulus measures that address new opportunities for social housing and improve the first homeowners’ grant, particularly for regional Queensland.
“After months of lobbying on behalf of our members, we are delighted that our voice has been heard,” Mr Bidwell said.
“The package announced today will be key to ensuring residential construction in Queensland doesn’t come to a grinding halt, come August or September.
“The regions are the big winners in today’s announcement, with the government to provide an additional $5,000 grant for people building a new home (valued at less than $750,000), in a regional location.
“It means that a first home buyer who builds a new home in regional Queensland may be eligible to receive $45,000 towards the build. This includes the $25,000 from the HomeBuilder grant, the $15,000 First Homeowners’ Grant and the $5,000 regional home building boost grant.
“Additionally, non-first home buyers who build a new home in regional Queensland may be eligible to access $30,000, which includes the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant and the $5,000 regional home building boost grant.
“So whether you’re a first time home buyer, or you’ve been thinking of upgrading, you’re going to benefit.
“This is a win for the regions and something Master Builders has advocated for, for years. It will also ensure a clear pipeline of work and more certainty for our industry.
The $100 million Works for Tradies funding is another win for our industry and will boost the supply of social housing, drive economic activity and support construction across Queensland.
“We anticipate that it will result in hundreds of new homes being built across Queensland, creating hundreds of jobs and providing the shot in the arm our industry is calling out for.
“Tradies across Queensland will also benefit from the $10 million boost to the Home Assist program, which sees many seniors and people with a disability able to access grants of up to $5,000 for repairs and maintenance.
“This is in addition to the $11.25 million Household Resilience Program, which improves the resilience of Queensland homes north of Bundaberg against cyclones and is something that was delivered in direct response to our lobbying campaign.
“Finally, the additional $50 million towards the previously announced $200 million Works for Queensland COVID-19 Recovery Package, will provide support for local jobs and local governments. It includes funding for new and upgraded sport and recreation facilities, libraries and other building and community infrastructure. This is another great initiative that will boost construction work in south east Queensland quickly and create jobs in the medium and long term.
“All in all, the announcement today is positive news for our industry and will complement the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme, which is already generating a great deal of interest.
“However, it still remains to be seen whether these stimulus measures will generate enough demand to stave off the looming disaster in the next few months when builders and tradies’ existing work runs out.”
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Christine Buzzard, Digital Communications Advisor at christine.buzzard@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6418
Leah Kidd, Communications Advisor at leah.kidd@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6424
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